Improved Ergonomics: If you compare the new ghd Gold to the now-dated V Gold Styler, you’ll notice one of the biggest improvements lies in its look and feel. The modern design means this product will look gorgeous sitting atop your bathroom counter, and the rounded barrel assists with preventing snags and speeding up your styling time. The swivel cord has also been upgraded to enhance your overall experience, letting you worry more about how your hair looks and less about twisting and turning to find the right angle (we’ve all done it).

Featuring advanced ceramic heat technology, the ghd Gold Professional Performance 2" Styler is designed to operate at the optimum 365°F styling temperature for healthy-looking hair with enhanced, lustrous shine. Styling thicker, longer hair is quicker and easier thanks to the larger plates that glide through strands without snagging for fast, effortless styling and flawlessly polished strands. It heats up in as little as 30 seconds to tame frizz and transform coarse textures into sleek, smooth styles that last. The styler has contoured, round edges to unleash undulating waves, and with its styling versatility, you can change your look every day.

* * * Update: After returning the above-described item, I bought a ghd Classic Styler in-person from one of their authorized salon dealers (info at ghd's site). When I went to register the hologram and date codes, the ghd site accepted them on the first try. Also, the second unit I bought HAD country-of-manufacture information on the box and on the date sticker (made in China, which some other comments said isn't legit, that seems to be wrong). My unit labeled made-in-China is the one that registered successfully with ghd. Also my second purchase - from the authorized dealer - had a lot of information printed on the bottom of the box, including a bar code, web info, consumer information phone number, design info and information about the product. The unit I purchased from Amazon had NO printing on the bottom of the otherwise authentic-looking box. Draw your own conclusions. Bottom-line: if you buy a ghd styler here, double and triple-check that your unit is for real.

This overpriced iron is good if you have naturally fine, soft or wavy hair. If you have coarse, thick hair it will not do the job, or it will take you several passes. This is not unique to the GHD, this applies to ALL CERAMIC straighteners. The Auto shut off and dual voltage is awesome, but it is not worth it if the iron does not provide sleek, durable straight hair. If you have kinky, unruly, poofy hair go with TItanium, hand down!!